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Stern says decision on fate of Kings may linger

In the biggest news of the day here at the NBA meetings in New York, commissioner David Stern said a final decision on the fate of the Sacramento Kings may last past the Board of Governors meetings April 18-19.

It had been expected that the final call would come during those meetings.

But Stern said after hearing the presentations of the two cities today that the issue is so complex that it may require more time for the league to make a decision.

Stern said there may be a “drop dead” date but he it had not arrived yet.

It was left unclear if Sacramento’s purchase price offer matches Seattle. But Stern said as he left the building that the purchase price is not one of the issues.

Instead, he said the bigger issues concern the arena proposals in each city and having to play a few years in a “sub-optimal” arena in whichever city ultimately wins.

He also again ruled out expansion, saying it is not an option right now.